Kendujhar: In a major breakthrough against inter-state cybercrime and highway robbery, Barbil Police in Odisha’s Kendujhar district have busted a notorious gang, arresting six individuals, including a woman believed to be a key mastermind linked to Jharkhand’s infamous Jamtara cyber fraud network.
The arrested have been identified as Haladhar Nayak, Rounak Patra, Manas Tanti, Arbaaz Khan and Chandrabati Patra, all from Thakurani, and Suraj Pal Choudhury from Bhanj Colony.
According to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Barbil Debendranath Pingua , the investigation began following a harrowing highway robbery on June 4. A truck driver was intercepted near Royda Chhak by a group of miscreants armed with lethal weapons. The attackers assaulted the driver and fled with his mobile phone and cash. The dacoity quickly escalated into financial fraud. Using the victim’s stolen smartphon
e, the criminals accessed digital wallet apps, including PhonePe and Google Pay, siphoning off Rs 1,86,500 from the driver’s bank account through unauthorised online transfers.
A formal complaint was registered at Barbil Police Station on July 6, leading to an intensive investigation.
Police uncovered a gang of about 9–10 members operating primarily in the Barbil and Joda areas of the mining belt. Their modus operandi involved robbing long-haul truck drivers of their devices and cash at isolated spots, then selling the phones to Chandrabati Patra of Thakurani area for Rs 5,000–6,000 each.
Patra, described by police as an expert in digital financial fraud, allegedly served as the crucial link to the Jamtara syndicate. She and her associates exploited the stolen devices to bypass security features and drain victims’ accounts, reportedly earning a 20–30% commission on transactions.
The SDPO confirmed the gang’s dual modus operandi and the Jamtara connection, stating that stolen phones were routinely funnelled to Patra for cyber exploitation. “The gang used the stolen phones to access UPI and banking applications and take money from victims’ accounts,” he said.
During raids on Patra’s residence and associated hideouts, police recovered substantial incriminating material, including 12 mobile phones, 26 bank passbooks and 28 active SIM cards. Further investigation is underway to trace further financial trails, identify additional victims, and apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate, he added.